Businesses driving with handbrake on amid skills shortage
The Education Secretary has claimed businesses are ‘driving with the handbrake on’ without the right skills. Gillian Keegan, who was speaking last week at the Government’s Business Connect Skills for Growth conference, said: “I know from my years in business that organisations drive innovation and create opportunities, but without skilled workers, it often feels like […]
Employers named and shamed for not paying minimum wage
More than 200 companies – including several household names – have been named and shamed for failing to pay minimum wage to members of staff. The 202 employers left around 63,000 workers out of pocket to the tune of almost £5 million in a breach of National Minimum Wage law. Companies being named range from […]
Should we be afraid of AI?
AI – or to give it its full name, artificial intelligence – has been hitting the headlines in recent months, arousing concerns that bots are going to make humans redundant. Fear of the unknown is a big factor as we continue to learn about all the skills that can be taught to these mysterious non-beings. […]
Employing foreign workers – know the ins and outs
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, businesses are embracing the benefits of hiring talent from overseas. However, if you are considering appointing someone from another country, there are additional considerations and requirements, including ensuring the necessary documentation is in place. The immigration system has specific rules and regulations for employing individuals from abroad. You need […]
Employee shares schemes facing government shake-up
Schemes offering people shares in their employer are set for a shake-up as the Government explores changes to help boost business growth. The Government wants to hear views on Save As You Earn (SAYE) and the Share Incentive Plan (SIP), as it seeks to improve the schemes and expand their use by making it easier […]
Do not let scammers steal your personal details
HMRC has issued an alert to tax credit customers to be on their guard against new tactics being used by unscrupulous fraudsters. The warning contains details of a number of new scams reported that aim to trick people into handing over money or personal information. Criminals use deadlines – like the tax credits renewal deadline […]
Do not miss out on energy bills support
Households using prepayment meters have been urged to claim bills support vouchers by the end of the month to avoid missing out. Electricity suppliers, charities and consumer groups are joining forces with a call to arms to make sure households with traditional prepayment meters avoid missing out on £400 worth of help with their bills. […]
Childcare payments for struggling families to rise
Low-income families will have more money in their pockets from the end of the month as part of the biggest ever expansion of childcare provision. The maximum Universal Credit childcare payments will rise almost 50 per cent from June 28, going up to £1,630 a month. The Government’s plans to increase childcare provision will allow […]
Simplified tax system for savers
The government has announced a number of new measures to help millions of people boost their future savings. One of these measures is a simplification of the Help to Save scheme. The Help to Save scheme was launched by the government in September 2018 to help those on low incomes to boost their savings. Under […]
Withholding tips from staff now unlawful
A new law that stops employers from withholding tips from people working in the hospitality, leisure and services sectors has come into force. The Employment (Allocation of Tips) Act 2023 received Royal Assent on 2 May 2023. The Bill makes it unlawful for businesses to hold back service charges from their employees, ensuring staff receive […]
